Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

From what I read pre 2001 Mariahs were a quality build boat. I haven't looked at it yet but I am interested in it.

Besides any random advice on pricing, my question is: The entire boat (minus the seats) is fire engine red. I'm not thrilled with the color and was wondering if anyone ever regretted buying a boat that stands out like this.

link to actual ad:
96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

TIA

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

I have a lake buddy who has the exact same boat. I'm not a fan of the fire engine red all over either, but he get's compliments on it all the time. Plus he's a Red Wings fan so he has decals tastefully in place that add to the boats theme. I don't know if people are complimenting the boat or the tie in w/ the Detroit Red Wings. That's my .02 (which is probably over-priced).

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

I'm not a fan of the all-over red either. I think it would look sharper if the top cap was white. That being said, that boat looks to be well maintained, has great power and appears to be priced fairly.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

That's a nice looking boat - looks like its been maintained. My concern would be with the carpet color - that dark color carpet is going to get warm on the tootsie's after its been out in the sun for a while. Same goes for that red gelcoat in the bow area. Might be a thing to change if/when you get the boat.

Other than that...the all over red isn't too terribly obnoxious.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

That's a sweet looking rig, Lake4Life. Of course I may be biased.:bolt:

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

I like it. Almost bought an all red boat when I got mine. So I got an Orange one with some white instead. The reason I didnt get the all red one was because the wife and most of my friends didnt like it. I did though.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

That looks like a nice boat.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

Is it a toss of the dice buying a boat in the winter without being able to run it due to the cold? Should a boat noob wait until the summer to buy a first boat?

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

Different strokes for different folks. My last 2 boats have been red with a white deck. A friend of ours has a 24' Mariah that's all red with the checkerboard graphics....just like you're looking at. I like it!

Water testing is a very good idea though, especially if you're new to boats.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

Lake4Life said:

From what I read pre 2001 Mariahs were a quality build boat. I haven't looked at it yet but I am interested in it.

Besides any random advice on pricing, my question is: The entire boat (minus the seats) is fire engine red. I'm not thrilled with the color and was wondering if anyone ever regretted buying a boat that stands out like this.

link to actual ad:
96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

TIA

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I had a 96 Black Z200 Shabah Limited edition. all Black 5.7 2BBL. These are very well made boats. Lots of features and good looking. This is also a very good price. This boat will do about 50 all day. Sips the gas as well. The only reason I got rid of it was to go bigger. Still a Mariah. Would have no iddue with Red, but Black was hard to keep clean.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

The only reason I don't own the boat already is that I'm concerned about buying the boat without being able to test it first (its below 30 degrees in the mornings here). What would it cost to have a marina inspect and re-winterize a boat? Is there another option to reassure myself that everything works?

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

They are quality boats, no doubt about that (I am biased as well). The things I noticed about this particular boat.

The interior: Mariah used thick durable premium vinyl, my '98 has all the original vinyl with only two spots showing any wear (a bow cushion that is pulling at a seam and the sun deck that is also starting to pull at a seam).. I see in the ad that this one has reupholstered front seats and I noticed the poor condition of the rear seats as well as the rear sun deck does not appear to be the original vinyl. To me that means this thing has spent at least some time outside uncovered.

The exterior: the side graphics, mariah shield logo, and mariah name are all gone... Did they get destroyed by the elements or did the owner just want something different??

The trailer: it doesn't look to be an original, I believe in '96 they were using Heritage custom built trailers, my '98 has a prestige custom trailer.. Where is the original trailer? Did it get separated from the boat because it was sitting in the water at a marina for years?

For more Mariah info hit youtube and search for "Mariah Boats".. Some of the original factory dealer videos and such are out there.

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

98Shabah said:

The trailer: it doesn't look to be an original, I believe in '96 they were using Heritage custom built trailers, my '98 has a prestige custom trailer.. Where is the original trailer? Did it get separated from the boat because it was sitting in the water at a marina for years?

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Thanks for the info! Should this boat actually have a tandem axle trailer?

Re: Questions regarding a 96 Mariah Shabah Z 200

I'm pretty sure it came with a tandem trailer, these boats are pretty hefty, I don't know that i'd want to haul a 20' around on a single axle if traveling very far. More info can be found here: The Mariah Owners Club.